Peace and Security Expert at International Alert - NAIJA STICK

Peace and Security Expert at International Alert

About International Alert

We are one of the world’s leading peacebuilding organisations, with nearly 30 years of experience laying the foundations for peace. We work with local people in over 25 countries around the world to help them build peace, and we advise governments, organisations and companies on how to support peace. 

We focus on issues that influence peace, including governance, economics, gender relations, social development, climate change, and the role of businesses and international organisations in high-risk places. 

• We work in Africa, south and southeast Asia, central Asia, the South Caucasus, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and north Africa, and have 18 offices around the world. We believe peace is possible when people can live in safety, have fair and effective laws, participate in shaping political decisions, make a decent living and secure their wellbeing.

Location: Abuja-Nigeria with potential field visits to Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Benue, and potentially South-East Nigeria)

Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension

Type of Engagement: Individual Consultant

Reporting to: National Team Lead and DDR Expert

Background

The evolving insecurity in Nigeria—driven by banditry, insurgency, armed criminality, and inter-communal violence—has led to the proliferation of disjointed disengagement initiatives, often lacking coordination and strategic oversight. To address this, the Government of Nigeria is leading the development of a DDR policy and strategy

• This initiative aims to harmonise diverse federal and state-level approaches, institutionalise DDR within Nigeria’s security governance architecture, and align national practice with UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS) and African Union DDR frameworks.
• A Policy, Results and Strategy Development Expert is sought to support the design and drafting of the national DDR framework and provide technical support on strategic planning, results-based management, and policy integration.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the National Project Lead and working closely with other stakeholders, the consultant will be expected to:

Strategic and Technical Advisory

Provide technical guidance on the design and implementation of a National DDR Policy, Legal and Operational Framework.

Support the alignment of DDR strategies with Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the National Action Plan on PCVE, and relevant international standards (e.g. UN IDDRS, AU DDR frameworks).

Advise on the integration of peacebuilding, justice, and security reform principles into DDR programming.

Key Deliverables

Inception Report outlining methodology, workplan, and stakeholder mapping.

Peace and Conflict Landscape Report with security dynamics across target states.

• Policy and Strategy Advisory Notes for national DDR framework development.
• Screening and Classification Toolkits including SOPs and risk-tiering templates.
• Inputs into National DDR Policy and Strategy Document (technical drafts).
• Documentation of Learning Events and Consultations.
•  Final Technical Report summarising key achievements, lessons, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree (PhD) in Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, International Relations, Law, or related field.

Professional Experience:

At least 10 years of experience in peacebuilding, DDR, security sector reform, or conflict transformation in fragile or post-conflict contexts.

• Demonstrable experience advising national governments or international institutions on DDR, counter-terrorism, PCVE, or reintegration frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of the Nigerian context including security architecture, non-state armed actors, local reconciliation dynamics, and state-citizen relations.
• Experience in legal and policy analysis, especially related to DDR, amnesty, or criminal justice systems.

Competencies:

Strategic thinker with strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex, multi-actor environments.

• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Proven facilitation and capacity-building experience.
• Fluency in English required; working knowledge of Hausa or other local languages is an asset.

Application Deadline 10 May 2025

Method of Application

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) demonstrating understanding of the assignment and relevant expertise.
• A detailed CV (max 4 pages) highlighting relevant work experience.
• A financial proposal detailing daily consultancy rate and estimated total cost.
• One relevant writing sample or technical document previously developed.

Applications should be submitted to: nigeria@international-alert.org  

Subject line: Peace and Security Expert – DDR Project (Use this as the subject for application submission) Deadline: 10 May 2025